Dickens & Rumi
Cover of SURVIVORS CLUB

book

SURVIVORS CLUB

Michael Bornstein and Debbie Bornstein Holinstat

The true story of a 4-year-old boy's liberation from Auschwitz. (Ages 11 to 14)

Ages 12+Source checked

Why this age? The book covers sensitive, traumatic historical events including the Holocaust, starvation, loss of family, and life in concentration camps. While written for young readers, the subject matter requires emotional maturity. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Show Wikipedia summary

Open to load a short Wikipedia summary.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age12+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Religious themes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Educational value5/5
  • Positive messages5/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The Holocaust’s mass deaths and the loss of loved ones are central historical realities, handled through a survivor’s personal account.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Mentions suffering, physical deterioration, and the conditions of the camp, though not gratuitous in its description of gore.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional harshness reflective of the historical setting, but not explicit.

Religious themes3/5
Why this rating?

Jewish identity and the Holocaust’s antisemitic persecution are important to the family and historical context.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Children and families face arrest, separation, hiding, imprisonment, hunger, uncertainty, and the threat of death.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Nazi persecution, imprisonment, abuse, and wartime danger are described; violence is serious and realistic rather than entertaining.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

The survival of the author is a testament to immense personal and familial courage.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

The narrative structure and personal memoir style encourage perspective and empathy.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on the experience of a Jewish family during the Holocaust.

Educational value5/5
Why this rating?

Serves as an important educational resource on the Holocaust and the history of the 20th century.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Family care, solidarity, and help from others are meaningful counterpoints to persecution and cruelty.

Positive messages5/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes the power of resilience, the importance of telling one's truth, and honoring those who were lost.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The family members and the survivor himself exhibit tremendous courage and dignity in the face of impossible odds.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in SURVIVORS CLUB would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in SURVIVORS CLUB, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereSURVIVORS CLUB
AbhorsenGarth Nix · 2003Ages 15+Lirael Daughter of the ClayrGarth Nix · 2001Ages 13+SabrielGarth Nix · 1995Ages 14+Grim TuesdayGarth Nix · 2004Ages 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating